House budget-writers complete 1st round of debate on NC state government spending proposal - GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press

The House education subcommittee narrowly defeated an amendment that would have removed "opportunity scholarships" that spend $48 million over two years to provide grants of up to $4,200 annually. A few Republicans have joined Democrats in opposing the grants, which are called vouchers by critics. The House plan would cut the University of North Carolina System budget more than the Senate, and is more aligned with McCrory. The House plan would direct the system to find an additional $125 million in spending reductions across all 17 campuses next year compared to the $48 million demanded by the Senate. Like McCrory, the House proposes raising out-of-state tuition at UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State and four other campuses. The House also would seek to save money by encouraging certain students who are accepted to a UNC system school to attend a community college for the first two years. http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/43666e2cf7f047618f3b86bc5fd98d05/NC-XGR--State-Budget